Campus, Colleagues Mourn Passing of Distinguished Professor

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Kimberly G. Smith, Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Kimberly G. Smith, Distinguished Professor of biological sciences, who served the University of Arkansas for 37 years, passed away suddenly on April 9. He was 69.

Smith began teaching at the university in 1981, and pursued research in various areas of terrestrial ecology. His interests ranged widely from black bears, to birds, to bugs. His numerous contributions to the university were recognized by his promotion to University Professor of biological sciences in 2009, and then to Distinguished Professor in 2015. During his career, Smith served as departmental chair of biological sciences from 2004 to 2008 and was a highly productive researcher.  

He was a devoted educator, and enjoyed nurturing students at various stages of their career preparation and development. He was also deeply involved in numerous professional organizations in a variety of roles: officer, editor and meeting organizer. From 2000 to 2004, he served as editor-in-chief of The Auk, the primary scientific journal of what is now the American Ornithological Society.

Smith presented a retirement seminar in the Department of Biological Sciences on April 5, just four days before he died. He entertained a packed room with a humorous summary of his life and career titled “Life in the Fast Lane: My Life as a Community Ecologist.”

He ended his seminar with some advice to younger colleagues: “Be curious, be creative, challenge yourself to learn new things, learn the history of things that interest you, take students on field trips, take students abroad,” and finally, “have fun doing what you do … I did.”

He will be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues.

Smith received his Bachelor of Science at Tufts University, a Master of Science from the University of Arkansas and Doctor of Philosophy from Utah State University. He was a post-graduate research ecologist at Bodega Marine Lab at the University of California-Berkley in 1980 and 1981, and also served as research associate at Manomet Bird Observatory from 1977-1980.

Kim Smith is survived by Peggy, his beloved wife of 45 years, their daughter Mallory and her husband Sheldon Steinert, of Fayetteville, and grandchildren Erowyn, Simon, Laura and Kara. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to causes and activities valued by Smith. Specifics about contributions, as well as for a celebration of his life, will be announced at a future date.